I haven’t been able to post this piece this week because of the beginning round of Candy Hearts releases that have hit like a giant wave. Reviews are coming in all over the place and it seems everyone loves the series, so yea!
Late December I had a kind of epiphany. Since my retirement, I’ve basically been a hermit in my own home, writing 8-10 hrs most days and seeing no one for days at a time except for my husband. I’ve said “No” to lunches with friends, dinner dates with my husband, and shopping trips. I told two boards of directors “No” when they asked me to join their organizations, and I canceled two writing conference trips because I just didn’t want to leave home. I didn’t even decorate for Christmas this year because we were going to be out of town for the holiday.
Hermit, much?
In December, I realized I was isolating myself and although this may be good for me the writer, it wasn’t good for me the person.
So.
I made myself a promise. Instead of knee-jerking “no” to everything when asked, I would make 2016 the year of “yes.” Yes I can, Yes I will, Yes I do.
Now, I’ve had a few people tell me this is dangerous because you need to know where to draw the line at saying yes. Don’t worry. I’m not saying yes to anything harmful, dangerous, illegal or immoral! I am saying yes to opportunities, friendships, and to helping others.
By saying “Yes” I’ve become my New Hampshire’s RWA chapter secretary this year.
By saying “Yes” I’ve volunteered to be a judge at this year’s Dancing with the Keene Stars in April. ( I was a contestant last year)
By saying “Yes” I joined a gym and am now working out and talking to actual, live people instead of my characters, 5 days per week.
By saying “Yes” I feel as if a giant weight has been lifted from my body. I’m smiling more, and I genuinely feel happier.
It’s amazing what a three letter word can do for, and to, a person.
Happy New Year, and here’s to 2016, the year of “YES…I do, I can, I will.”
And I hope you say “YES” to my new release, 3 WISHES ( A Candy Hearts Romance) when it is released on 2/8/16. It’s up for preorder now, and here’s the link.
Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.
Peggy Jaeger, Author 
Congratulations on your upcoming release! I had to laugh as I was reading your post, because I had the opposite problem – saying yes to outside distractions when I should have been holed up in my writing room. I’m the Queen of Procrastination so any excuse to put off writing that difficult scene, or that dreaded synopsis, was a wonderful excuse. And vital. How could I possibly NOT go to a movie with friends? How DARE I turn down a date night with hubby? I learned my lesson (incomplete manuscript for close to a year) and am now budgeting my time, with writing as #1 priority. I still take most evenings off, and a good part of the weekends.
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Isn’t it amazing how we can rationalize all our decisions, either good or bad? I’ve said no to so many things, I feel like I might have missed a great opportunity along the way. Sure I got a lot of writing done – A LOT – but what did I miss because I was at my desk? I know we shouldn’t think about the what if’s, but I always do! Anyway. from no to yes, let’s hope 2016 is a great year.
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What a wonderful inspirational post for the new year, Peggy. I’m ready to say YES now too! LOL.
We are only confined by the breadth of our vision. You GO girl!
Casi
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Casi _THAT”S an inspirational passage! We are only confined by the
breadth of our vision. Yowza!!!
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I find, as a writer, you have to engage with people and do things. That seems to be where inspiration comes from. Best of luck on your Candy Hearts!
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Great post. Saying ‘yes’ can be freeing for the author within. Going out, writers see so much and the interaction is invigorating. Ideas come from what we see around us and who we speak with. We, as authors, tend to shelter ourselves in order to get our books written and marketing done. While that is good, sometimes we need to break the chains and get out there and see what we, and our stories, may be missing.
Good luck!!!!
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Excellent post! Thanks for reminding us of the importance of balance in our lives. Best wishes for a happy, productive and balanced 2016!
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Thanks, Joanne – sometimes I think balance is the hardest thing of all!
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Balance is hard to achieve, but absolutely necessary. I hope to get a little balance in the other direction – more time for writing in 2016!
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Wonderful post Peggy! It’s nice to think of you being happier, every day! And may I suggest….If you don’t have a wonderful new sparkley dress to wear when you are a judge for Dancing with the Stars….. – YOU GO AND GET YOURSELF A NEW or New to you dress! One that swirls when you move!
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DeeDee – great minds think alike because I’m going to!!!
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It’s easy to fall into harmful patterns, and we don’t even know we’re doing it! I look forward to hearing about your “yeses” this year!
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